Cedarberg announced his arrival as a genuine cups contender with an easy win in the $2 million The BMW Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.  He cruised home to beat stablemates Mourayan and Linton.

A Western Australian bred son of VRC Derby winner Helenus, Cedarberg was sent out at $26 despite an eye catching last start effort behind Shocking in the Australian Cup at Flemington.

Mornington based horseman Pat Carey was all smiles in the winner’s stall.  “He is a nice staying horse and is a pretty useful horse,” Carey said.  “He is still lightly raced and we were encouraged with his form in the spring.”

Cedarberg is raced by Trevor Delroy who also manages the syndicate that stands former WA based sire Helenus.  The classic winning stallion was transferred to Independent Stallions in Victoria before a further relocation to Woodside Park last year.

Cedarberg (3g Helenus – Infrared by Spectrum) failed to reach a $35,000 reserve at the 2008 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale.  He won at Mornington on debut in January 2010 and three starts later was pitched in at the deep end of the G1 AJC Australian Derby.  He led them up at Randwick and fought back bravely despite being stripped during the race.  

He appeared to have the LR Mornington Cup parceled up in February but was overhauled by WA stayer Guyno in the final strides.  His dam Infrared is a half sister to the stakes performers Comic Dame and Game Ginty.

Winning jockey Damien Oliver has been a Cedarberg fan for some time and thought he fitted the mould of his previous BMW winner Blutigeroo.  “They bottled up at the half mile and then he really sprinted.  He wasn’t too comfortable on the inside, but took the bit and chased well.”